Harry Haag James (March 15, 1916 – July 5, 1983) was a popular United State… Read Full Bio ↴Harry Haag James (March 15, 1916 – July 5, 1983) was a popular United States musician and band leader, and a well known trumpet virtuoso.

Harry James was born in Albany, Georgia, the son of a bandleader of a traveling circus. By age 10 he was taking trumpet lessons from his father. His father had him on a very strict practicing schedule every day. He was given one page to learn out of the Arban's book (a trumpet drill book) every day and could not do anything until he learned that page.

In 1931 the family settled in Beaumont, Texas and James began playing with local dance bands. James joined the nationally popular Ben Pollack in 1935. At the start of 1937 he left Pollack to join Benny Goodman's orchestra, where he stayed through 1938.

In February of 1939 Harry James debuted his own big band in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He continued touring with the band into the 1980s. His was the first "name band" to employ vocalist Frank Sinatra, in 1939. In 1943 he married actress Betty Grable.
His first wife was ex B.Goodman singer.,Louise Tobin.

You can hear his trumpet playing in the 1950 film Young Man with a Horn, dubbing Kirk Douglas. His recording of "I'm Beginning to See the Light" appears in the motion picture My Dog Skip (2000). James recorded many popular records and appeared in many Hollywood movies.

In 1983, James was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, but he continued to work, playing his last professional job on 26 June 1983 in Los Angeles just nine days before his death in Las Vegas, Nevada.

I Guess I
Harry James Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I wish I knew someone like you could love me
I wish I knew you place no one above me
Did I mistake this for a real romance?
I wish I knew, but only you can answer.

If you don't care, why let me hop[e and pray so
Don't lead me on, if I'm a fool just say so,
Should I keep dreaming on, or just forget you?

What shall I do, I wish I knew

Overall Meaning

The lines of the song I Wish I Knew by Harry James and His Orchestra reflect a longing for love and commitment. The singer is wondering whether their romantic interest truly reciprocates their feelings, or if it is all just an illusion. They wish they knew whether the other person truly loves them, and if they are the top priority in their life. The singer recognizes the possibility that they may be mistaken about the nature of their relationship, and the only way they can find out for sure is to receive an honest answer from their romantic partner.

The second stanza then highlights the internal struggle of the singer who expresses his concern that he is overestimating their connection. They would rather have the truth spoken clearly, either to fuel their hopes or refocus their efforts to find someone else. They are torn between holding on to their dream of a relationship and letting go of their unrealistic hopes.

This song beautifully depicts the insecurities and doubts that come along with being in love. Often, one can get lost in the cloud of emotions and not know what truly is happening. The lyrics, highlighted by the soulful music, enable everyone to relate to the song and feel the emotions of the singer.

Line by Line Meaning

I wish I knew someone like you could love me
I am surprised and grateful that someone like you could love me

I wish I knew you place no one above me
I wish I could be confident that you prioritize me over everyone else

Did I mistake this for a real romance?
I am unsure if what we have is genuine romantic love

I wish I knew, but only you can answer.
I am seeking clarity about our relationship, but only you can provide it

If you don't care, why let me hope and pray so
If you are not interested in me, why give me false hope and allow me to have expectations

Don't lead me on, if I'm a fool just say so
Please do not give me mixed signals and if there is no chance between us, be honest and direct

Should I keep dreaming on, or just forget you?
I am at a crossroads where I do not know whether to continue hoping or to give up on the possibility of us

What shall I do, I wish I knew
I am lost and indecisive about what actions to take in this situation

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Warren, Mack Gordon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS